CCSN Power: The impact of mixed use of different brands of oil

Tests have shown that when the unit is running and finds that the amount of oil is insufficient, the same oil or oil of the same type and viscosity should be added. If the oil is mixed and the type is not paid attention to, the service life of the oil will be shortened, and the following problems will also occur:

Oil turbidity: Regardless of whether the brand is the same or not, oil of different models may appear turbid after mixing. Because the chemical additives of each type of engine oil are different, chemical reactions may occur after mixing, reducing the lubrication effect, and may also produce acid-base compounds to accelerate the damage of engine parts.

Abnormal exhaust: The mixture of different brands of oil may also cause abnormal exhaust smoke, such as black smoke or blue smoke. Because the oil may be diluted after mixing, the oil can easily enter the cylinder and burn, causing blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. Or after the oil is mixed, the cylinder seal is not tight, causing the exhaust to emit black smoke.

Sludge is generated: the mixing of different oils is prone to produce sludge, which will reduce the heat dissipation effect of the oil, resulting in high temperature of the engine and easy failure. It will also block the filter, oil passage, etc., resulting in poor circulation and the engine will not be lubricated.

Accelerated wear: When the oil is mixed, its anti-wear performance may change greatly, destroy the oil film, easily cause wear of the piston and the cylinder wall, and in severe cases, the piston ring will break.

To sum up, the oil mix for diesel generator sets should be avoided as much as possible. If the oil needs to be replaced, the original oil should be drained and new oil should be added, which not only protects the unit, but also reduces the maintenance cost.

CCSN Power Inc. All Rights Reserved

Posted by: Gong Zhengyu

Reviewed and translated by: Kailon Chung